Fungicides and biological solutions for cherry tree defense

23 May 2024
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Cherry Times is pleased to publish an excerpt of the reports presented at the International Congress "What biosolutions for quality cherries?" at Macfrut 2024.

Serenade Aso, based on Bacillus subtilis, is the fungicide that Bayer proposes for the control of moniliosis and bacteriosis of cherry and other fruit and vegetable crops.

Serenade Aso has a unique mechanism of action: it prevents fungal and bacterial diseases by acting directly on pathogens. The spores of Serenade Aso compete for space and nutrients, limiting the development of diseases, and interacting with the plant, they induce systemic defense reactions and promote physiology.

Lipopeptides and antibacterial compounds typical of the strain break down the cell wall of fungi and bacteria, causing their death and preventing contamination.

The formulation is based on the quality of the production process for which Bayer boasts unique expertise: during the controlled fermentation phase, Bacillus subtilis QST713 produces a series of natural compounds with specific activities on pathogens and plant defense: Lipopeptides, responsible for the fungicidal action, naturally develop during fermentation and are able to promote plant growth and activate its defenses.

Serenade Aso performs its fungicidal and bactericidal function best when applied in preventive treatments. On cherry and all stone fruit trees, it is applied foliarly at a dose of 4-8 L/ha for a maximum of 6 treatments per year, depending on the disease pressure.

Applications starting from the pre-flowering phase: Serenade Aso helps prevent bacteriosis caused by Xanthomonas sp, with recognized collateral activity against Pseudomonas syringae var syringae.

Applications from flowering to pre-harvest: Serenade Aso helps control monilia attacks in the phases when stone fruits are most susceptible to attack: flowering and pre-harvest. In an integrated defense strategy, applied pre-harvest, Serenade Aso has shown good disease containment, allowing for a reduction in residues on the fruits.

Serenade Aso is permitted in organic farming, and is also the ideal product to be included in integrated pest management programs or with the aim of reducing residues at harvest.

To download the PDF of the presentation click here

Silvano Locardi
Grower & Channel Manager Bayer Crop Science


Cherry Times - All rights reserved


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